As parents, it’s our job to ensure that our children know how to stay safe and keep themselves out of trouble. However, trouble will likely find them. So as parents, we must know how to help our teenagers maneuver through those processes in order to keep them from further punishment. For example, knowing what to do if your teen gets arrested is important, especially if posting bail is an option. Here’s some advice on how to handle difficult situations so as to avoid worse outcomes.
Driver Responsibility
Of course, you should always teach your teen to drive safe. But if your teen is involved in a car accident where they are at fault, it’s important that they follow a few simple rules. First and foremost, make sure your teen knows that a hit and run is never going to be the better solution. If an accident occurs, they must take responsibility. If your teen tries to drive off and is eventually identified later, this will make the situation far worse for them in regards to sentencing.
Should the accident be a result of your teen driving under the influence and they are arrested, it’s important that you and your teen don’t miss any scheduled court hearings. In California, drivers have 10 days, including the day of the arrest, to properly request the hearing by calling the local driver’s safety office. This may vary from state to state and situationally depending on the accident, but knowing and following the rules in your state will help you out in the long run. Courts will notice if they have to reschedule because your teen didn’t show up.
Instances When Bail Is Available
If your child is arrested and posting bail is an option, this may very likely be the route you end up taking to avoid any jail time for your kid. Bail bond agencies act as a surety and pledge money or property as bail for the appearance of a defendant in court. This means you have the option to pay bail with your own money or with assets. If you choose to post bail and you or your teen skip and don’t end up paying, your assets may be at risk. For the safety of your teen and your assets, it’s crucial that you pay the bail in full and on time so as to avoid potential jail time and/or losing assets.
For example, your house can be an asset used towards ensuring you pay your bail. If you fail to follow through on paying bail, you won’t need to worry anymore that your water heater should be set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or if your new kitchen cabinets have arrived yet. Though this is an extreme situation, it’s important you and your teen know the risks involved with getting arrested so you can avoid these worst-case scenarios.
Knowing what to do in these scenarios can go a long way towards ensuring your teen’s safety and avoiding jail time or further punishment. While these are difficult conversations to have, it’s important that you and your teen know how to maneuver through difficult situations. Keeping your child and others safe should be of the utmost importance and knowing how to handle negative situations is one way you can do that as a parent.
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